Sparks rookie Candace Parker was at the center of a bench-clearing brawl against the Detroit Shock at the Palace of Auburn Hills Tuesday.
The incident occurred with 4.5 seconds remaining in an 84-81 victory by the Sparks. The skirmish began when Parker and Shock forward Plenette Pierson tangled arms as they headed up floor following a successful free throw by Sparks guard Marie Ferdinand-Harris, causing both players to tumble to the floor. Pierson quickly rose to her feet and stood over Parker, who then pulled Pierson to the ground.
As both benches emptied, Leslie came to Parker’s aid but was pushed away by Shock assistant coach Rick Mahorn, causing her to fall to the hardwood floor. Sparks forward DeLisha Milton-Jones then slapped Mahorn in the back. At the same time, Shock forward Cheryl Ford appeared to injure her knee while pulling Pierson away from the fracas and had to be taken away in a wheelchair.
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